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David Hann makes up a sign as over 100 teachers participated in a one day strike action and demonstrated in front of the TDSB offices in North York on Tuesday. (RICK MADONIK / TORONTO STAR) | Order this photo

On the picket lines Tuesday, teachers told the Star what they expect to happen after the deadline for collective bargaining passes Dec. 31. Many agree the labour strife will not end anytime soon — and they are bracing themselves for a fight that could last up to two years.

Manuel Liu, Grade 8 teacher at Glen Ames Senior Public School:

Liu, the ETFO steward for his school, said the union would not stop until Bill 115 was repealed.

“It could escalate into a political protest or a full illegal strike, like what happened when Mike Harris was in power,” he said. The Harris-era strike lasted two weeks.

“All we know is that this isn’t going away and there needs to be an escalation if the government is not hearing us.”

“Teachers need to stand up for our rights and the rights of other future employees in this province.”

Jen McColl, Grade 7/8 teacher at Glen Ames Senior Public School:

“I don’t see us backing down and I don’t see them backing down,” McColl said, adding that the union would never accept a contract that is imposed on them and not negotiated.

“I think it’s going to be a continued fight, because Laurel Broten seems determined to stay on this path.”

“I don’t think it will be resolved next year. I think it’ll take a couple years, at least.”

“The two sides need to come together and I don’t see it happening any time soon.”

With a sigh, McCrea said her lesson plans would continue to suffer as she is required to leave work immediately after school.

“It could mean no extracurriculars for the next two years. It’s a possibility,” she said. “I’m not able to create the most detailed, the most visual lessons I would like to create.”

“But ultimately (the strike) is about the long-term, not about the short-term.”

Andy Van Slyke, Grade 2/3 teacher at Kew Beach Jr. Elementary School:

“We will be asked by our union to pause our activities outside the classroom,” she said. “That will continue until we win our court challenge or the Liberals elect a new leader . . . , such as Gerard Kennedy, who has already promised to repeal the bill.”

“It won’t be in time to save the school musical,” Van Slyke added sadly. She directs the musical every year, and had planned a performance of Into the Woods. She said the students were crushed that it would almost certainly be cancelled.

“But my feeling is that in Canada, people fought and died for the right to collective bargaining,” she said, referring to the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike.

“I’m not going to dance on their graves and roll over, and accept the imposition of this contract. We will fight on as long as we have to.

“Political protest doesn’t stop just because the government tells us to stop. It might change the form of the protest, but we know what is happening is not right and we need to continue to speak up for it,” said MacLean-Taylor.

“We will continue to speak out. We don’t know what form this will take in the new year,” he said. “We’re all really hoping this will move faster, and we can return to a full program, because that’s what we want for everybody all the time.”

“We’re just as committed as we always have been to our students. This is a way for students to see what political action looks like.”

Helena Chapman, Grade 2 teacher at Kew Beach Jr. Elementary School:

Chapman sympathizes with parents, as she has two children herself. “I’m using this as an opportunity to teach them about democracy and standing up for your rights,” she said.

“I hope that the government will see the light and repeal Bill 115.”

Glenn Frost, Grade 4/5 teacher at Maurice Cody Public School:

At first, he said, he wasn’t sure ongoing labour action was a good idea, but it has kept the issue in the public eye.

“If we had accepted Bill 115 back in September, people wouldn’t still be talking about it to their MPPs and the government could do the same thing next time — it’s only a two-year contract,” he said. “This way, the government will think twice before making more changes to our contracts, like changing the pay scale.”

Terrie Voldimer, kindergarten teacher at Finch Public School:

“I’m hoping (Bill 115) is repealed; I’m not sure there’s any other way” to put an end to the labour strife.

“We recognize that there are issues in our economy . . . our issue is Bill 115, and how it takes away our rights.”

“We’ve got to stick together,” she said of the importance of the day-long strike. “We are teaching our children to fight for their democratic rights.”

“I think they will repeal the bill. There’s a strong teacher presence (on the picket lines) and a lot of people are onside with this.”

He said the dispute is not about money. “Nobody I’ve talked to here wants a raise.”

“Respecting teachers does not mean throwing money. It’s all in the attitude.”

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